09 Oktober 2012

The Royal Thai Army Signs A Contract for Two AW139s

09 Oktober
2012

AW-139
medium helicopter (photo : AgustaWestland)

AgustaWestland,
a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Royal Thai Army has
signed a contract for two AW139 twin-engine helicopters. These aircraft will be
delivered in 2014 to perform transport and utility missions across the nation.
The contract, which also includes a comprehensive maintenance and training
package, marks the entrance of the AW139 into Thailand’s military helicopter
market and further expands the success of the type in the country.

Vincenzo
Alaimo, Head of Region, AgustaWestland, said “It gives us great pleasure to
sign this contract with the Royal Thai Army to support their transport
requirements. We are confident this model, thanks to its unmatched performance,
comfort and safety, has significant potential in Thailand in the future.” The
Royal Thai Army adds to a growing number of military customers that have
ordered or are already operating the AW139 for a wide range of roles including
VVIP and government transport, utility, search and rescue, emergency medical
service and homeland security. The armed forces of Ireland, Qatar, UAE, Italy
and Egypt are just some of those operating the AW139 today.

The AW139
delivers best-in-class performance with a cruise speed of 165 knots (306 kph),
a range in excess of 500 nm (927 km), endurance of 5 hours and superior hover
performance. It also has the largest cabin in its class which can accommodate
up to 15 passengers. The unobstructed cabin design allows maximum flexibility
for different seating configurations and the transport of equipment. The
baggage compartment, provides a massive 3.4 cubic metres (120 cubic feet) of
storage which is easily accessible from both the cabin and outside the
helicopter. The AW139 is the world’s best selling helicopter in its class and
the only new generation aircraft in its class in service today. Over 500 AW139s
are now in service worldwide. Almost 170 customers from more than 50 countries
have ordered nearly 650 AW139 helicopters so far.